BRIC: What vacation? Time off? Are you kidding?

With Memorial Day weekend in our rear-view mirror, that proverbial start to summer has occurred even though the official beginning of summer is not for a few weeks. With nearly half the year in that same rear-view mirror, how have you been doing with those goals that you set at the beginning of the year? How have your predictive powers worked? Are you where you hoped to be? Have you got there with your hair on fire, burning everything at both ends or have you been able to balance your home life with work life? Are you actually planning on taking some time off this summer, assuming that your business is not the “busy season”? (If you are in the “busy season” in the summer, put this away for six months and pull out this newsletter and reread.)

So what are we really talking about here? It’s pretty simple. Just good, old-fashioned time management but with a twist. We all know about the pressure to get more from less, to produce more than the next person, to live a full life yet be recognized as valuable member of society. There are folks out there that seem to have an endless supply of energy, intelligence, street smarts and charisma. And doesn’t it seem that you were in the back of the line when they were handing out the ability to do it all? So here’s some thoughts that maybe will help. Put these on your bathroom mirror if affirmations are your thing.

Be in the present moment – Yes, everyone says this and man, it’s hard to do. Don’t let anyone tell you different especially in business when you’re also told that you have to have a vision and be anticipating the future. This one is also about being a good listener. Take the time with people when they are in front of you. You’d be amazed at the clarity of thought that occurs.

Be yourself and try your best – Yes, someone out there is better looking, smarter and has a fatter wallet/purse. “Know thyself” has been used in the movies (“The Matrix” comes to mind) and provides the foundation for your future accomplishments. We all have the ability to set goals and achieve them. It’s the choice you make every day just being human. Will you choose everyday to learn and grow?

Know that you don’t know everything – Admit one thing to yourself. It is impossible to know everything. Some may know more than others. Some may know more about one topic than others. We all have natural gifts along with the skills that we have acquired over the years. Realizing that you don’t know everything makes it easier to ask for help when you most need it.

Systematize your day – McDonald’s and Starbucks are more extreme examples but they are good ones. With the focus on working “on your business” not “in your business”, you will look for ways to create systems that don’t require your direct involvement. Create great training programs. Hire competent people. Free your mind to think strategically. Do what you do best.

With a goal to be able to create your business as an asset, something that works for you and creates a revenue stream based on your ideas and not your personal labor, you will turn around one day and realize that you are an entrepreneur. And maybe then you will be able to take a vacation and not have to worry.

If you would like an assessment of where you are on the entrepreneurship spectrum and get some help with your singed head of hair, you can give Business Resource Innovation Center a call at 775-283-7122 and we’ll schedule some time for fire suppression and prevention. Just bring an open mind and then the sky’s the limit!